Our EDUC 394/405 class had a very impactful guest speaker, Erica Mclean, discuss her journey within the education system and her new journey in the role of an SD57 school trustee. It was eye opening to listen to her background and how she evolved into education and now is taking a step away from the classroom side of things and now viewing education in a more political standpoint.Â
Erica mentioned that she had “spent many years as a community school coordinator in SD57 where [her] role was to connect our school community to our greater community in order to strengthen connection and identity for students, particularly vulnerable learners.” (Scace, Prince George Post) Her interest in our students needs truly showed as she discussed her passion for change. Erica also mentioned that although she may have felt that her voice and impact may not have been sufficient, she still expressed her need for change and wanted to promote her voice no matter what. In an interview, Erica expressed “now more than ever, we need to work with our community to regain/strengthen relationship and collaborate to meet the needs of our most vulnerable learners.” (Scace, Prince George Post) This statement spoke volumes to her character and her passion for students. I believe in todays world we need to be cautious on creating inclusivity within our classrooms and be aware as educators of the wide variety of needs our students may have, whether that be a disability or students who have come from low poverty situations. Erica was extremely passionate about this topic that she resigned from her position earlier with in the year “and spoke out against the 2021 Special Advisor’s Report. [She] believed this report didn’t serve the best interests of students. [She] believed many of our community’s most vulnerable learners disproportionately experience trauma and poverty compared to students who don’t experience as many social barriers, a reality that was ignored by the Report.” (Scace, Prince George Post)
With her need for change in mind, she believed that there were two major strategies that could be used to fill in the mission pieces of the Special Advisory Report. “One, we launch a campaign with local First Nations, the Indigenous Education Department and our school leaders in attempt to develop an understanding of what specific challenges our most at-risk learners are facing. Student and family involvement is key. Two, a financial scan to determine how we can increase support staff hours. We need far more support staff to meet the needs of students.” (Scace, Prince George Post) Her presentation, and discussion within different local articles left an impact on my views of how important it is to be there for your students and understand their needs in order to succeed. Of course, I always knew the importance of these factors as an educator but her voice was so powerful and it was a wonderful opportunity to be apart of.Â
References
Scace, M. (2022, October 12). SD57 trustee candidate Q&A: Erica McLean. Princegeorgepost. https://www.princegeorgepost.com/news/local-news/sd57-trustee-candidate-qa-erica-mclea
school district 57 prince george – Yahoo Canada Image Search Results. (n.d.). https://ca.images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=school+district+57+prince+george
